WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is inviting lawmakers over to discuss the growing number of sexual assaults in the military.

Officials say a bipartisan group of about a dozen senators and representatives were invited to attend the discussion with White House staff Thursday. President Barack Obama won't attend since he is traveling to Texas.

A new report shows up to 26,000 military members were sexually assaulted last year. Obama has said he has no tolerance for the problem and the Pentagon must address it.

The officials weren't authorized to speak on the record and thus requested anonymity.

The discussion was to be led by Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and Tina Tchen, the first lady's chief of staff. Both are members of the president's Council on Women and Girls.